Nebraska recruiting: Updates on Huskers’ 2019 class

The 2019 recruiting class for Nebraska has a solid foundation built on three in-state commitments. The Huskers will have to
capitalize on the talent within the state and also within the 500-mile radius where they take pride for having a foothold.

But for now, the Huskers class is in good shape as unofficial visits and commitments pick up for various programs across the
country, including Nebraska.

Let’s take a closer look at how the class currently looks.

Where Nebraska’s 2019 recruiting class ranks

Nebraska has taken a step back in the recruiting rankings this week, following a nice jump the previous week thanks to Ethan
Piper’s commitment. As of Thursday night, the Huskers ranked seventh in the Big Ten and No. 32 in the country,
according to the 247Sports composite rankings. The drop can be attributed to Iowa adding a commitment over the weekend.

It’s important to remember that recruiting rankings this early in the game hold little weight. The best time to look is after
the early signing period or National Signing Day, or at least when those events are on the horizon.

Top uncommitted targets in 2019 recruiting class

Owen Pappoe has preliminary plans to take an official visit to Nebraska during the fall for a game. There’s also a chance
he swings by campus for a visit this spring. Linebackers coach Barrett Ruud and area recruiter Sean Beckton, also the Huskers
tight ends coach, will go after Pappoe. However, it will be difficult to pry him from Georgia, with Clemson also a contender.
Some of his social media posts have suggested he is strongly considering Nebraska. Auburn has also entered Pappoe’s top group
recently. It will be interesting to see if Pappoe can convince any of his Grayson teammates to also visit Nebraska. However,
his visit is now in question since he
announced he will commit on May 5.

There are several regional recruits Nebraska should capitalize on and Max Duggan sits atop that list. Quarterback will be
a priority again for Frost and Nebraska, and Duggan would be a nice fit for the offense. Mike Riley’s staff built a solid
foundation with Duggan and it seems like the new staff has followed suit. Duggan is expected to commit during the springtime
— with a decision likely in April — so if Nebraska can continue to move quickly with him, it will be the favorite. The signal
caller holds offers from top programs around the country, so the Huskers will have their hands full.

Duggan took unofficial visits to Notre Dame and Ohio State last weekend. The Huskers will have to get him on campus sooner
rather than later, perhaps for both junior day (March 31) and the spring game. Minnesota has emerged as a dark-horse candidate
for Duggan, so that’s another team Nebraska will have to hold off to win the Duggan sweepstakes.

LB Nick Henrich, 4 stars, Omaha (Neb.) Burke

With two of the top 4 in-state prospects on board, the state’s No. 2 prospect will also be key to add to the class. Nick Henrich
is the No. 9 inside linebacker in the class. Notre Dame, Texas A&amp;M and Florida have recently offered him.

TE Chris Hickman, 4 stars, Omaha (Neb.) Burke

Henrich’s teammate and the state’s top player in the 247Sports composite, Chris Hickman also plays a key position in Frost’s
offense. A tight end can basically function as a receiver, meaning Hickman will have plenty of opportunities to catch the
ball. He’s the ninth-ranked tight end in the class.

Nebraska commits position breakdown

Here is a breakdown of the number of Nebraska’s 2019 class commits at each position: